Isle of Man

I live in the Isle of Man. For those of
you that don't know what or where that it, it's a little island in
the middle of the Irish Sea in between England and Ireland.

Despite the islands' close proximity to
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, it
has its very own Nationality, so people from the Isle of Man are
'Manx'.

It also has its own language, Manx
Gaelic, although it isn't used very much any more. However, It's
still taught in local primary schools and there are plenty of Manx
speakers. I'm not one of them, but I do know a few words and phrases
in Manx, it's impossible to grow up on the island without picking up
one or two bits of Manx.

As well as a unique nationality, The
island has it's own parliament, currency (a Manx version of the pound
sterling) and flag.

The island is probably most famous for
the annual TT 'Tourist Trophy' motorbike festival, one of the most
dangerous road race circuits in the world.

The races have been held
on the island almost every year since 1907 and continue to be one of
the islands biggest tradition. Every summer in the last week of May
and the first week of June, the island plays host to thousands of
bikers from all over the world.

The island is also home to one of the
oldest continuous parliaments in the world. Tynwald,
which was founded in AD 979 by Viking settlers is still going strong
today.

For
such a small island we really pack a lot in. If you ever get the
chance to visit you'll find plenty to see and do.

You
could
go and visit Castle Rushen in the South of the island. I went to school
no far from Castle Rushen and some of my BEST school-time memories are
of day trips out to the Castle.

or
there's also Peel Castle in the West of the island (there's also a
brilliant outdoor Shakespeare show in the castle grounds every summer,
it's fantastic)

if
castles aren't really your thing, you could go visit the Laxey Wheel
(also known as the Lady Isabella), the largest working waterwheel in the
world, built in 1854 to pump water from the Great Laxey Mines.

not
in the mood for architecture, what about some transport? you've plenty
to pick from, you could catch the electric tram all the way up to the
top of Snaefell mountain in the North. Once you're up there you can have
a nice cup of tea and look down on views of the entire island + if
you're lucky you'll be able to see clear across the sea to England,
Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

or
maybe climb aboard the Steam Train and visit the South of the island.
Perfect for watching the hills roll by and plenty of stops along the way
for visiting local towns and villages + when you reach the end of the
line you can treat yourself to a yummy lunch at the Station in Port St
Mary.

if
you like to be beside the seaside, the Horse tram is perfect, take a
trip along Douglas Promenade in the East and stop off for some delicious
Manx ice cream

if
you prefer something a little more whimsical, the Groudle Glen Railway
is lots of fun for kids and adults alike. This miniature steam train
runs along the cliff tops near Groudle bay, with a picturesque station
and halt nestled in the leafy Glen, take the train all the way to the
Sea Lion rocks cafe. The railway also offer wonderful themed trips for
children at Christmas, Easter and during the summer.

other
than all of that, the island is the perfect place to kick back and
unwind. It's incredibly beautiful (okay so i might be biased, but it's
true!) everywhere you look there is another idyllic view.

whether it's a little bit cloudy... it's still super pretty!

or if it's deliciously sunny! (by the way this is the beach opposite my old Secondary school!)

or even freezing cold and snowy...

it sure is one gorgeous place.

I feel incredibly lucky to live here, every day I get to see sights like these and i'm very grateful for it.so what are you waiting for! book a plane/boat and get to the Isle of Man + if you ever do manage to visit the island, let me know and I will be your personal tour guide!